Whilst Gotham is currently taking all the plaudits and the headlines when it comes to superhero-based TV shows, fellow DC comics adaptation The Flash is performing strongly in its first season on The CW network, apparently enough to convince executives at the cable channel to greenlight an extension to its current season.

The length given to that short-term renewal is ‘full’, with the network’s second biggest new show, critically-acclaimed dramedy Jane the Virgin, also receiving the treatment by The CW, both now set to end their first runs a fair bit later than originally expected.

The superhero series The Flash, which is based (as the name would suggest) on a hero with super speed, made its first appearance on the network two weeks ago (7 October) to an audience of 6.1m, also noted as being The CW’s highest-rated series premiere episode in the 18-49 age demographic since 2009’s premiere of The Vampire Diaries.

The CW’s network president Mark Pedowitz said of the move: “We have had a fantastic start to our season this year, with The Flash launching as our most-watched series premiere ever, and Jane the Virgin recognised as the best new show this season by critics across the country. Over the past three seasons, we have made it our mission to grow and to broaden out our audience, and to keep raising the bar with the quality and impact of our new shows, and The Flash and Jane have both exceeded our expectations on all counts. I’m thrilled to announce full season orders for both of these terrific new series.”

Going from a first-season count of 13 to 23, will The Flash (and Jane the Virgin, which has a similar order) be able to build on a strong start with the network and repay their faith? The sort of thing to expect from The Flash can be seen below: